If you have been searching for a cookie that perfectly balances rich nuttiness and melty, gooey chocolate, look no further. The Best Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe transforms the classic chocolate chip cookie into an irresistible treat by turning simple butter into a fragrant, golden brown base packed with deep flavor. Each bite delivers the perfect harmony of crisp edges and soft, chewy centers, studded with pockets of semi-sweet and mini chocolate chips. This recipe is a surefire way to impress friends, satisfy sweet cravings, and elevate your baking to new heights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here — just wholesome, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a starring role in creating those iconic textures and rich flavors. From the nutty depth of browned butter to the fluffiness contributed by cornstarch, every component adds something special to this beloved cookie.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Browning this butter unlocks complex nutty undertones essential for that signature flavor.
- White granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve that slight crispness on the cookie edges.
- Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Brings moisture and caramel notes that keep the cookies chewy and soft inside.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- Large eggs, room temperature (2): Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The sturdy backbone that shapes the cookie’s structure.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Provides gentle leavening to give the cookies a perfect rise.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Secret weapon for tenderness, making the cookies soft without being cakey.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Classic melty pockets of chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/4 cup): Add delightful bursts of chocolate and textural contrast.
How to Make The Best Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter to Perfection
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. This is where the magic happens. Watch closely as the butter melts, foams, then shifts to a golden brown with a nutty aroma filling your kitchen. This browning step is crucial for ramping up the flavor, so don’t rush it. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs later.
Step 2: Mix Together Sugars and Browned Butter
In a large bowl, combine your beautifully browned butter with the white granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Beat this mixture until smooth and creamy. This creates a sweet, caramel-like base that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly sets the stage for the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract. This careful process ensures your cookie dough becomes silky smooth and well emulsified.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. This step is important to evenly distribute all the dry elements, so your cookies have uniform texture and rise.
Step 5: Blend Dry Ingredients Into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add your flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here — you want to keep those cookies tender, not tough.
Step 6: Fold In the Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in both the semi-sweet and mini chocolate chips. These create those irresistible pockets of melted chocolate in every bite, adding bursts of richness and interest throughout the dough.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest period helps the flavors meld while preventing the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
Step 8: Bake Your Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out the chilled dough onto the sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie. Bake for about 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. Let them cool on the pan before moving to wire racks so they set perfectly.
How to Serve The Best Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cookies, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. The salt beautifully contrasts with the sweetness and enhances the buttery, chocolatey flavors. For a festive touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add visual appeal and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with classic accompaniments like a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a rich hot chocolate for a decadent dessert experience that will delight everyone.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the cookie jar? Arrange them in a layered glass jar with parchment for gifting, or sandwich two cookies around a scoop of homemade ice cream to make a delightful ice cream sandwich. For parties, stack them on a rustic wooden board and decorate with ribbons or edible flowers for an inviting touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days, with the flavors deepening over time thanks to the browned butter.
Freezing
If you want to keep cookies ready for later, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months to enjoy anytime.
Reheating
When you’re ready for a warm treat, pop frozen baked cookies into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes, or microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds. This reheating brings back the gooey, fresh-from-the-oven feel that makes these cookies so addicting.
FAQs
Why is browning the butter important in this recipe?
Brown butter adds a rich, nutty depth of flavor that regular melted butter simply can’t match. It elevates the overall taste of the cookies, giving them a subtle caramel aroma that feels extra special.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Unsalted butter is best because it allows you to control the salt level in the recipe precisely. If you only have salted butter, reduce added salt by half to balance the flavors.
Why do you chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough solidifies the butter and allows the flavors to develop more fully, resulting in thicker cookies that don’t spread too much during baking, and a tastier bite overall.
What makes these cookies chewy and not cakey?
The combination of browned butter and cornstarch helps create a delicate balance of chewiness while maintaining softness without turning cakey or dry.
Can I substitute different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference. Mixing different types adds complexity and fun variations to the cookie experience.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about The Best Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe that captures the heart of every cookie lover. From the irresistible aroma of browned butter to the perfect chewy texture and melty chocolate goodness, these cookies bring pure joy with every bite. I genuinely encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds and sharing this treasured classic with everyone you love.
Print
The Best Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a decadent twist on the classic cookie, featuring rich, nutty brown butter that enhances the flavor profile. Crispy around the edges with a soft, chewy center, these cookies are packed with semi-sweet and mini chocolate chips for ultimate indulgence. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies impress with their deep caramel notes and melty chocolate goodness.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sugars & Flavorings
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Eggs
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cornstarch
Chocolate Chips
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue until the butter turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before using to avoid cooking the eggs in the next steps.
- Mix Sugars and Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm brown butter with the white granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Beat the mixture together until it becomes smooth and well incorporated, creating a rich, caramelized base for your cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar and butter mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract to enhance the cookie’s flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in both the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough without breaking them up.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This step improves the texture and flavor of the cookies by allowing the ingredients to meld and the dough to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for several minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely, ensuring they firm up to the perfect texture.
Notes
- Using browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these cookies above the standard chocolate chip variety.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps control spread and intensifies the flavors.
- Room temperature eggs blend more evenly into the batter, promoting a consistent texture.
- The addition of cornstarch contributes to a tender, soft cookie.
- Feel free to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to a week.
